Why Chargers should heavily consider drafting QB Kyler Murray

The Chargers will need a quarterback after Philip Rivers, whose contract has a dead-cap hit of $7 million in 2019 and will be a free agent in 2020, if he chooses to retire. Former Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray has been the topic of discussion after electing to forgo an opportunity in professional baseball to the enter the 2019 NFL draft.

Murray may not only be the perfect fit for Los Angeles, but he would also bring excitement to the city with his name being well-known. Murray is a unique dual-threat quarterback that has the tools to succeed at the next level.

Statistically, Murray threw for 4,361 yards while completing 69.0 percent of his passes. He posted 42 touchdowns against just seven interceptions. Murray was also electric on the ground, rushing for 1,001 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2018, where he averaged 7.2 yards per carry.

Despite his lack of size at 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, Murray has a strong arm with great velocity. He doesn’t typically throw into a lot of tight windows. But he can zip the ball into any window with ease and allow the receiver a chance on the ball before a defender can close for the pass break-up or tackle attempt.

When throwing over the middle of the field, Murray flashes a good amount of juice, even on the move, to get the ball 45-50 yards. Murray displays the ability to put the ball out in front of his target and can throw them open. He was mainly accurate in short and intermediate areas, as he was able to pick apart defenses in Oklahoma’s offensive scheme.

Murray is able to make big things happen with his legs, showing the speed at the quarterback position while possessing rare change of direction, balance and toughness as a runner. He possesses the ability to be a threat every time he has the ball in his hands and is nearly impossible to tackle in open space given how elusive he is.

The 2018 Heisman Trophy winner has his flaws, such as needing to do a better job at going through his progressions and not hesitating when under pressure. His height can be a concern, and he may be gone when the Chargers are selecting towards the end of the first round. But he is one of the most electrifying playmakers in this year’s draft now, who would make out to be a match made in heaven for the Bolts.

Coach Anthony Lynn saw what a mobile quarterback can do for an offense during his time with the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills. The list of dual threat quarterbacks that played a vital role at the position while Lynn was with the Jets included Geno Smith, Michael Vick and Tim Tebow. When Lynn went to the Bills in 2015, he was a big part of giving Tyrod Taylor an opportunity to start as well.

Rivers was never the most ideal player to beat defenders with his feet, but with his time nearly coming to an end, the Chargers certainly sound like they could be seeking out one that can win through the air as well as on the ground, and Murray fits that mold.

The 21-year old QB is by no means a finished project and will probably take a season or two to achieve what he is capable of. But surrounding Murray with talent that includes wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, tight end Hunter Henry, the dynamic running trio of Melvin Gordon, Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson will only set Murray up for success and allow L.A. to have a capable quarterback when Rivers hangs up his cleats.